But while the relationship with the father of the woman’s child should not dictate your relationship, their relationship –- whether good or bad –- will play a role in your lives.It’s important to know what you are getting yourself into.

I believe I have a lot to offer – I am caring, kind, warm, loyal and intelligent. I am not looking for a father for the boys; they have one.I am not looking for a provider; I provide very well for myself.An honest conversation about this should minimize the chances of you making a surprise cameo on a VH1 reality show. Should a man without kids hesitate to date a woman with kids?If you are a step parent or single mother, what advice would you offer a man to know if he is ready to date a woman with kids from a previous relationship?I just want a friend and a companion and someone who I have chemistry and intellectual compatibility with.

I am seriously at the point of giving up on the whole dating thing…

In addition, if you do not want any (biological) kids of your own, do not assume that just because she has one or more child from a previous relationship that she does not want anymore with you. As a continuation of the above point, one of the hardest changes for many single men who decide to date a woman with a child is realizing they are not in first place. This is a hard adjustment for many men to make because when you’re single and don’t have any kids, you can be as selfish as you want.

People with children are used to (hopefully) putting the needs of their children before their own.

But when deciding to date a woman with a child, you should be clear about your expectations for the relationship upfront with yourself and her.

In other words, if you’re still in the “dating just to date” phase of your life, involving a woman with a child is probably not the type of relationship you should engage in because your actions will more than likely impact the lives of two people — the woman and the child.

I have friends who have gotten upset because a woman they are dating has to drop everything for their child. A woman should not be placed in a position to choose between the child she loves and the man she likes.